The City of Escalon has announced a new partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) through the PG&E Better Together Giving Program. PG&E has awarded the City a charitable sponsorship of $15,000 to supplement local grant funds that help low‑income families register their children for youth sports and strengthen Escalon’s growing Junior Referee Program.
This one‑time sponsorship will expand access to recreation for families who qualify for federal youth recreation assistance as well as those who fall just outside eligibility but still demonstrate need. By supplementing the City’s scholarship program, the funding will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for children who want to participate in Escalon’s youth sports programs.
The sponsorship also provides meaningful support for the City’s Junior Referee Program, which offers paid work experience, professional referee training, and leadership development for local teens. The program serves more than 25 youth officials each season and provides approximately 200 paid game assignments and 300 hours of youth employment. PG&E’s contribution will help offset annual program costs, including training through Rudd Sports and referee equipment.
“We are grateful for PG&E’s investment in Escalon’s youth,” said Ivette Arevalo, City of Escalon employee. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support families, expand access to recreation, and continue building a safe, well‑run sports environment through our Junior Referee Program.”
PG&E’s support reflects a shared commitment to youth development, community safety, and expanding opportunities for families across the Central Valley. To celebrate the partnership, PG&E representatives joined the City of Escalon for a ceremonial check presentation at the Monday night, Oct. 5 City Council meeting. The presentation included PG&E’s Government Affairs team, members of the Escalon Recreation Commission, youth referees, and local families.
For more information about Escalon’s youth recreation programs, contact the City of Escalon Recreation Department at 209-691‑7301 or visit www.cityofescalon.org.
Families interested in receiving reduced‑cost registration for youth sports can apply through the City of Escalon’s Recreation Department. The City uses a simple, two‑step process that mirrors the existing youth recreation scholarship program. Eligible families may qualify for up to 80% off program fees through federal assistance, and PG&E’s sponsorship will help close the remaining gap for those who need additional support. Families who fall just outside federal eligibility thresholds may also qualify for partial assistance using the supplemental funds provided through this sponsorship.
Applications can be submitted online at the City’s Recreation webpage at https://teamsideline.com/sites/escalonrecreation/content/36364/Funding-Resources
Families will be asked to provide basic household information and documentation of need, and staff will review applications on a rolling basis throughout the season. For questions or help completing the application, residents can contact the Recreation Department at 209-691‑7400.
